8 1/2 Steps for Better DIY Landscapes

Hey there, garden geeks! Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener, here with your ticket to year-round landscape magic. We're coming into planting season, and with it, a whole lotta choices! So, whether you're a newbie navigating your first spring or a seasoned pro, let's break down the secrets to a four-season stunner.

Step 1: The 20% Rule: Ever feel like something's missing in your yard? Maybe it's because you haven't mastered the 20% rule! Here's how it works:

• 20% spring bloomers: Lilacs, forsythias, wisterias – those showstoppers that scream, "Winter's gone, baby!"
• 20% summer bloomers: Crape myrtles, rose of Sharon, even roses – keep the party going when spring fades.
• 20% fall color: Maples, aspens – those fiery masterpieces that remind you nature's an artist.
• 20% winter evergreens: Don't let the cold leave you feeling stark! Evergreens provide year-round structure and life.

Step 2: Think Layers, Not Lawns: Ditch the boring flower bed and embrace raised beds! Plant tall blooms like snapdragons in the back, shorter beauties like pansies up front, and mix in perennials with annuals for year-round interest. Perennials are your anchors, coming back year after year, while annuals like petunias, geraniums, and zinnias add nonstop, riotous bursts of color.

Step 3: Foliage Fun: It's not just about blooms! Nandina, heavenly bamboo, euonymus, and cotoneaster offer stunning foliage that changes with the seasons, keeping your landscape dynamic. Remember, elevation matters! Do your research to ensure you're choosing plants that thrive where you live.

Step 4: Annuals vs. Perennials: Not all heroes wear flowers! Sedums, agaves, and yuccas can be annual or perennial depending on your elevation. So, check before you plant to avoid winter wipeouts. Red fountain grass, for example, might be a perennial elsewhere, but it's an annual at higher elevations.

Step 5: Hardscape vs. Greenscape: Landscape lingo alert! Hardscape covers non-living elements like patios, fences, and ponds, while greenscape is all about the plants. Aim for a 60/40 ratio – 60% greenscape for that balanced, beautiful feel. Too much hardscape makes it feel lunar (think dusty and incomplete), while too much greenscape can smother things.

Step 6: Grassy Goodness: Don't underestimate the power of grasses! Native options like pampas grass add motion, drama, and texture, even in the slightest breeze. They're like landscape superheroes, especially at higher elevations where cacti won't cut it.

Step 7: Fruity Bonus: Fruit trees are quadruple threats – spring blooms, summer foliage, fall color, and delicious treats! They're nature's all-in-one design packages.

Step 8: Sun Savvy: Remember, higher elevations mean more intense sun. Plants like Japanese maples that thrive in full sun elsewhere might need midday shade here. Geraniums, known for their sun-loving ways, will bloom longer and better with a bit of afternoon respite.

Bonus Tip: Play with textures! Combine smooth foliage with rough, tall with short, light with dark. Your landscape will become a living masterpiece, a testament to your gardening superpowers.

So, there you have it, folks! Your eight and a half steps to a four-season landscape that rocks. Remember, gardening is a journey, not a destination. Experiment, have fun, and let your green thumb flourish!

Don't forget to check out my YouTube Channel for more tips and tricks, and share your own landscape victories in the comments below! Happy planting, everyone!

#WattersGardenCenter, #WattersGardencenterAZ, #Top10Gardener, #GardeningTips, #MountainGardenerPodcast, #Landscapes, #DIYLandscape